BREAKINGNEWS

Recently Dr Shyam Reddy and his colleagues have made novel discoveries in Cancer Genomics and Cancer Therapy. Please watch for these two new findings soon (In press).The discovery in Cancer Genomics may revolutionize future biology.﻿ ﻿

Dr Reddy’s group has decoded Non-coding DNA and its non-coding RNA and discovered NOVEL Tumor Suppressors which will revolutionize the future biology, diagnosis and therapy

In the United States of America, prostate cancer is the second most common age-related cancer among men. African-American men have the highest incidence of, and mortality rate from this disease and they have twice the risk of developing prostate cancer as Caucasian men. ERG gene (discovered by us) was found to be involved in a majority of human Prostate cancers (50-80%). Another ERG/ETS related gene, ETV1 is believed to be responsible for 10% of prostate cancer.

In order to understand the molecular mechanism by which ETV1 cancer protein causes prostate cancer, Dr Reddy and his Ph.D. student Sharif Morsalin in collaboration with other scientific colleagues Drs Chunshu Yang, Jinbo Fang, Sampreet Reddy, Shubhalaxmi Kayarthodi, Ed Childs, Roland Matthews, Veena N Rao ( from Cancer Biology Program, Dept of OB/GYN, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta ) discovered that ETV1 cancer protein induces certain enzymes ( kinases) in cancer cells which deregulate the critical protein beta-catenin by protein modification. They have also identified therapeutic agent (commercially available) that interferes with this process. In addition, they have demonstrated that this therapeutic agent targets these cancer cells effectively. These therapeutic agents will have a profound impact on prevention and treatment of prostate cancer which may help to reduce health disparity seen in minority prostate cancer patients. They also believe that such targeted mechanistic studies will help patients not to undergo unnecessary and more dramatic chemo- therapy treatment

We have discovered an important member of the ETS family and named this gene as ERG (Ets Related Gene), which has been shown to be involved in many human cancers (Ewing sarcoma and leukemias). Recently, the ERG gene was found to be involved in a majority of human Prostate cancers (50-80%), resulting in the overexpression of ERG in prostate cancer cells. We have shown that ERG gene codes for sequence specific transcriptional activator. We have previously demonstrated that ERG and aberrant ERG proteins inhibit apoptosis, and this may be one of the reasons for the activation of the ERG gene in leukemias, Prostate cancer and other human solid tumors. Dr Reddy and his colleagues have identified several novel targeted therapeutic agents against ERG-Positive Prostate Cancers. ﻿

African-American men have twice the risk of developing prostate cancer as Caucasian men. ERG gene (discovered by us) was found to be involved in a majority of human Prostate cancers (50-80%). In this study, we demonstrate that ERG oncoprotein physically interacts with Smad3 protein and stabilizes phospho-Smad3 protein and thereby enhance TGF-b/Smad3 signaling pathway in prostate cells. Thus, ERG oncoprotein plays an important role in prostate tumorigenesis by using a novel mechanism to activate TGF-beta/Smad3 signaling pathway. These results will have great implications in the diagnosis and treatment of ERG-positive Prostate cancers.

Therapeutic regulation of transcriptional repressor properties of EWS-ERG/EWS-Fli-1 with an anti-Epileptic drug with a promising new potential might have a profound impact on prevention, management and treatment of Ewing Sarcoma. Therapeutic use of FDA approved anti-Epileptic drug in minority patients may help reduce the health disparity seen in Ewing family of tumors. [Shubhalaxmi Kayarthodi, Yasuo Fujimura, Jinbo Fang, Sharif Morsalin, Veena N. Rao, and E. Shyam P. Reddy (Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology, 1, 87-100, 2014].

Shubhalakshmi Kayarthodi was also awarded The Anthony Shuker Scientific Poster Award for her poster " Molecular mechanism of inactivation of nuclear receptor function in ERG-positive Ewing Sarcoma" (Dr Reddy, Mentor) (GEORGIA Life Sciences Summit). She also received Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate student award in the Biomedical sciences 2014 (Ph.D), Morehouse School of Medicine.

Dr Reddy is chosen to receive the prestigious GLORY OF INDIA AWARD for his contributions in the field of Science and Medicine.

[Please see below]

Background:

Dr Shyam Reddy discovered and cloned several cancer genes/oncogenes (close to 20 genes) and studied their functions. The most notable genes discovered by Dr Reddy include ERG-1, ERG-2, ERG-3 and human FLI-1genes(published in prestigious journals Science, PNAS and Oncogene). Dr Reddy named the gene as ERG ( ETS Related Gene). ERG is a transcriptional factor and also a stem cell factor and is involved in 50-80% of Prostate cancers, Ewing sarcoma and also leukemias (AML).

Dr Reddy and his group have shown that ERG and FLI-1 proteins involved in several cancers are responsible for making cancer cells resistant to chemo-therapeutic agents.They are targeting these onco-proteins or their functions to develop novel targeted therapeutic agents. Using this strategy, they have developed several novel drugs (patent being submitted) that target Prostate cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, Breast cancer (Triple Negative Breast Cancer), Pancreatic cancer, Ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, etc. These drugs appear to be targeted therapeutic agents with no or little effect on normal cells.Two drugs are being tested against Pancreatic cancer in collaboration with UAB scientists. Dr Reddy received a grant from DOD to do research on two drugs against prostate cancer. We are grateful to DOD organization for standing up to our cancer research.We have also shown that anti-epileptic drug Valproic acid (VPA) targets ERG-positive Prostate cancers and identified the molecular mechanism of action of VPA on ERG function. Recently, we have identified novel ways by which ERG/ETS oncoproteins target diffent signaling pathways that leads to prostate and other cancers (leukemias, lymphomas and sarcomas).

(Please see the links below).

What We Do

Dr Shyam Reddy and his colleagues are identifying the function of oncogenes and targeting the oncoproteins (proteins responsible for cancer) or their functions to develop novel targeted therapeutic agents. Using this Function based therapeutic strategy (Functionotherapeutics), we have developed several novel drugs (patent being submitted) that target Prostate, Ewing Sarcoma (Pediatric cancer), Breast (triple negative breast cancer), leukemias, Pancreatic cancer, Ovarian, cervical cancers, and colorectal cancers. We love to collaborate with researchers and industrialists to make joint efforts in eradicating cancer.

We are close to a breakthrough in cancer research. This finding will have a major impact on many cancers. Please see our track record (click the link below)

If you agree with our research goals and like to donate funds to take our cancer research to the next level (preclinical and clinical trials), we request you to contact us. Be part of a great mission. Tell a friend or a donor. You can support our cancer research by making a tax-deductible donation. Reachout to our cancer research in any way you can. We dedicate our life to cancer research.

If you are a graduate student with a passion to cure cancer and want to dedicate your efforts to our mission, please join us in winning the war against cancer.

Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you ereddy@msm.edu

Our passion is to find a cure to cancer. Nothing great can be achieved without a passion.

Breaking NEWS

Dr Reddy was awarded the globally reputed " LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" for his contribution to Cancer Research by IIFS at New Delhi.

Dr Reddy also received the prestigious "Mother Teresa Excellence Award" by the Integrated Council for Socio-Economic Progess for his contribution to Cancer Research.

Indians are making considerable contributions and are dominating all over the world in their field of profession and are creating wonders with their Midas Touch. They have earned laurels and have achieved excellence.

The most eminent achievers, who have made a place for themselves in their profession and are keeping flag of India high, will be honored with “MAHATMA GANDHI PRAVASI GOLD MEDAL” during the conference as Mahatma Gandhi was the First Pravasi who left an impeccable mark in the history of the world.

Dr Reddy was also awarded the prestigious “Bharat Award for Excellence ” by FFI

Dr Reddy also received the prestigious “RASHTRYA JEWEL AWARD” and GOLD MEDAL

Dr Shyam Reddy was awarded "INTERNATIONAL GOLD STAR AWARD" by His Excellency Korn Dabbransi, former Deputy Prime Minister, Thailand for individual excellent performance and contribution for the progress of the Nation and worldwide in the field of Science and Medicine.

Dr Shyam Reddy was awarded the prestigious Best Personalities of India Award and Gold Medal (certificate of Excellence) (certificate of Felicitation) during a conference on Economic growth and National Unity by Dr.G.V.G.Krishnamurthy, Former Election Commissioner,Govt of India at New Delhi , June 30, 2012 [Global Brotherhood Forum] in recognition of Dr Reddys exceptional caliber and outstanding performance in Cancer Research area.

As part of its activities, FFI will be honoring selected galaxy of Indian men and women achievers from all over the world for their outstanding achievements in chosen field of activity. In the past, the publishing house has the privilege of honoring prominent personalities like Matinee idol Dev Anand, Late Sunil Dutt, Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and Mohd. Azharuddin, SC Jamir, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Brington Lyngdoh , Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Leading Educationist Shyam Chona, Architects Pheroz Kudianwala, Manik Dastor.

FFI will be bringing out a prestigious book titled The Honored Best Personalities of India. The one page one-person book will cover citation. This proposed book shall be available in the major markets of India, shall be kept in FICCI, ASSOCHAM and offices of other organizations of Industrialists and libraries all over the country.

Dr Shyam Reddy was also awarded the prestigious SUPER ACHIEVERS OF INDIA AWARD with GOLD MEDAL (Certificate of Excellence) (Certificate of Felicitation). Some selected prominent VIPs and others will be presented with this prestigious award to show the world that achievers who have done something special for this country and/ or their countryman and have attained greater excellence in their field of work and enhanced the Indian image.

Dr Shyam Reddy was awarded the prestigious Bharat Excellence Award with GOLD MEDAL (Certificate of Excellence) (Certificate of Felicitation). These awards are given to selected few most extraordinary men & women from the field of science, technology, education, industry, fine arts, sports, politics, and social work etc., who have done something special for this country and/or their countrymen and have attained greater excellence in the field of their work or who have a touch of genius, or who have scaled the heights against odds to achieve excellence people who have made a mark in their particular activity by any standard world-wide, or those whose work is an inspiration to others. The panelists who select the awardees are some most prominent citizens from India.

The Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) hosts lecture series called CPDR Saturday, which has been in existence for over 10 years. CPDR Saturday speakers represent leaders in prostate cancer field.

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September)

In this study, we demonstrate that ERG oncoprotein physically interacts with Smad3 protein and stabilizes phospho-Smad3 protein and thereby enhance TGF-b/Smad3 signaling pathway in prostate cells. Thus, ERG oncoprotein plays an important role in prostate tumorigenesis by using a novel mechanism to activate TGF-beta/Smad3 signaling pathway. These results will have great implications in the diagnosis and treatment of ERG-positive Prostate cancers.

We have discovered an important member of the ETS family and named this gene as ERG (Ets Related Gene), which has been shown to be involved in many human cancers (Ewing sarcoma and leukemias). Recently, the ERG gene was found to be involved in a majority of human Prostate cancers (50-80%), resulting in the overexpression of ERG in prostate cancer cells. We have shown that ERG gene codes for sequence specific transcriptional activator. We have previously demonstrated that ERG and aberrant ERG proteins inhibit apoptosis, and this may be one of the reasons for the activation of the ERG gene in leukemias and human solid tumors. Dr Reddy reported novel targeted therapeutic agents against ERG-Positive Prostate Cancers at DOD conference IMPACT 2011). Please click the link below for details.

Dr Reddy and his colleagues (Fortson etal., International Journal of Oncology, 2011)tested the effect of the anti-epilepsy drug Valproic acid (VPA) and Trichostatin-A (TSA) on ERG- positive prostate cancer cells.They found that VPA and TSA induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), upregulate p21/Waf1/CIP1, repress TMPRSS2-ERG expression, and affect acetylation status of p53 in ERG-positive prostate cancer cells. These results suggest that VPA (well tolerated, established drug for epilepsy and bipolar disorder) might restore HAT activity through two different ways; by inhibiting HDACs activity and by repressing HAT targeting oncoprotein, such as ERG. These results may provide new clues to molecular mechanism of action of VPA in ERG-positive prostate cancers (which represent 50-80% of all prostate cancers).

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)

Novel Therapeutic agents target Triple Negative Breast Cancer:

Using Function based Therapeutic Strategy, Dr Reddy and his colleagues developed several novel targeted therapeutic agents that target Triple Negative Breast Cancer cells. They are at present studying the mechanism of action of these targeted therapeutic agents.

Dr Reddy and his group have discovered novel POST-TRANSLATIONAL mechanism in Breast Cancer cells that will have global effect on the Gene Expression, Differentiation, Protein turnover, Cell Death, Cancer and other Human diseases.

Majority of N-linked glycosylation of proteins occurs in secretory and membrane proteins. This typical N-glycosylation of a protein takes place upon entry of the protein into the lumen of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where, there is a transfer of carbohydrate moiety to asparagine residue present in the protein. In bacteria, N-glycosylation can occur independent of this protein translocation (Science,314, 1148, 2006). Here, Dr Reddy and his group find that such protein modifications ( Protein Translocation-Independent N-Glycosylation) can also occur even in eukaryotic cells. BRCA2 (Breast Cancer Type 2 susceptibility protein) is a tumor suppressor and is involved in DNA repair and transcriptional activation. Mutations in BRCA2 lead to breast cancer, Faconi anemia, prostate, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.They show that transcriptional cofactor CBP interacts with BRCA2 protein and mediates its N-glycosylation both in vitro and in vivo. This is the first report that a transcription cofactor like CBP may be involved in PTING (Protein Translocation-Independent N-Glycosylation).

Dr Reddy predicts that this CBP/p300-mediated post-translational modification (PTING)may be a signal for the regulation of degradation or stabilityof CBP interacting proteins. Interestingly, BRCA2 protein is known to be ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteosomal pathway. Since CBP/p300 cofactor interacts with many onco-proteins, tumor suppressors and transcription factors, such a signal may be vital to regulate the expression of these interacting proteins which play an important role in cell growth, differentiation and cell death. Therefore, this post-translational N-glycosylation mediated by CBPcan have global effect on gene function, cell growth and differentiation.

We are close to a breakthrough in cancer research. This finding will have a major impact on many cancers. Please see our track record (click the link below)

If you agree with our research goals and like to donate funds to take our cancer research to the next level (preclinical and clinical trials), we request you to contact us. Be part of a great mission. Tell a friend or a donor. You can support our cancer research by making a tax-deductible donation. Reachout to our cancer research in any way you can. We dedicate our life to cancer research.

If you are a graduate student with a passion to cure cancer and want to dedicate your efforts to our mission, please join us in winning the war against cancer.

Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you ereddy@msm.edu

Our passion is to find a cure to cancer. Nothing great can be achieved without a passion.

Our passion is to find a cure to cancer. Nothing great can be achieved without a passion

"The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent my